What is a tortilla chip but a mere vessel for delivering ample amounts of seasoned meat and melted cheese to our mouths? If you don’t care for tortilla chips — or can’t eat them, perhaps due to a corn allergy — that doesn’t mean nachos are out of bounds.

We’ve expanded our definition of nachos by applying popular topping combinations, such as meat, cheese, avocado and salsa, to other foods — think baked sweet potatoes, crunchy sweet peppers and more. Purists will balk at the suggestion of nachos sans corn chips, but try these no-chip recipes and you’ll find that the best part is the toppings.

Fried Zucchini

We invite anyone who believes you can’t have nachos without tortilla chips to try Food Network Kitchen’s cheesy Zucchini Fry Nachos. The crisp fried zucchini offers a juicy quality that you can’t get from corn chips. For toppings, we recommend diced shredded cheese, avocado, lime juice and pickled jalapenos for the right balance of fresh and comforting flavor.

Sweet Mini Peppers

For a corn-free alternative to tortilla chips with even more scooping power, slice mini peppers in half lengthwise, then spoon warm cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle the peppers with classic nacho toppings like black beans, jalapeno and diced avocado.

Chicken Drumsticks

Repurpose last night’s chicken dinner by topping leftover drumsticks with grated cheese and reheating until it’s melted and gooey. For a stronger nod to classic nachos, add salsa, guacamole and jalapenos.

Hot Dogs

Bobby Flay tops his juicy grilled Nacho Dogs with chunky guacamole and tomato-chipotle salsa for a Tex-Mex twist on the all-American cookout food.

Sweet Potatoes

These loaded sweet potatoes from Food Network Magazine are perfect for the nacho lover who doesn’t like to share. Pile on seasoned beef, low-fat cheddar, salsa and crunchy shredded cabbage for a hearty main dish that’s lower in fat than most pub-sized nacho portions.